Calvin House
New Build
AUCKLAND, New Zealand
PHOTOGRAPHS
Mike Courian
Calvin House was conceived as a modest new home for a young family. The design's core principle was simplicity, aiming to make the compact footprint feel as spacious and comfortable as possible.
Calvin House was conceived as a modest new home for a young family. The design's core principle was simplicity, aiming to make the compact footprint feel as spacious and comfortable as possible. Maximizing sunlight from the northern aspect and incorporating an open yard were essential elements. The interior space effectively extends into the garden. Despite its urban setting, the home feels private and secluded. The materials balance budget considerations with aesthetic appeal, creating a striking contrast between the natural ‘blonded’ cedar and the ebony corrugated iron which punctuates the rustic quality of the cedar.
The classic gable roof, inspired by the surrounding architectural typology, features a raked ceiling that enhances the sense of space within the two offset volumes. The northern volume, with its gable roof, houses the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas, separated from the primary bedroom by a textured brick partition. This brick element adds a tactile quality and creates passageways on either side, elongating the space and creating an illusion of depth. The master bedroom enjoys a lovely aspect with dappled sunlight, which the young family has come to cherish. This home meets the family's needs while also significantly enhancing their quality of life.